Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the tragic deaths of three people, including two cyclists, in my riding last week. On June 7, Ross Chafe and Kelly Blunden were cycling north of Whistler when they were struck and killed by a driver who was reportedly impaired. They were both fathers and key figures in the community.
Also killed was the passenger in the car, Paul Maurice Pierre Jr., a member of the Lil'wat Nation. The driver had three previous convictions for impaired driving. He was prohibited from being behind the wheel.
Our grief can compel us to action. We need good safety protocols for cycling and we need to incarcerate impaired drivers. My hope is that initiatives such as the Attorney General's new proposed law, the cycling town hall I convened in Ottawa on May 25, and the forum on cycling safety that I have organized for June 20 in Squamish will create positive change.
For the sake of Ross and Kelly and those who loved them, and for all who bike, may we bring about enhanced rules and policies for both drivers and cyclists.
Fellow members of the House, please rise with me in a united spirit of condolence for those who grieve the loss of Ross, Kelly, and Paul.